Access All Areas March 2019 | Page 48

MARCH | FEATURE 100 years of experience Losberger De Boer is celebrating its centenary, but what’s the secret behind its success? Access talks to events sales director John Cochrane Which landmark highlights define the last 100 years? The most recent major landmark is of course in 2017 with the merger of Losberger and De Boer, two long-time famous names of the event industry in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and around the world. The two founding families grew their family businesses steadily, both becoming strong brands through hard work and dedication to countless events. Losberger was founded in 1919, and built its business on many product innovations, including the launch of the worldwide first aluminium tent construction in 1974, patented flooring systems in 1988 and the first arched roofs in 2002. De Boer rented its first tent in 1924, established UK offices in 1988, supplied the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996, the same year supplying structures to Farnborough 48 Air Show, and becoming supplier to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 1998. How has the event landscape changed, and what sorts of added value services are being requested? The events and exhibitions industry has become more and more geared towards the experience of each part of the show, from the programme to the invitations, the venue to the catering. Every aspect must contribute to the event, every experience must be in line with the goal of the event. The temporary event structure is no longer only providing protection from the elements, it now needs to be part of the experience. Layout optimised to facilitate the flow of the event, built like a building to create the comfort “The temporary event structure is no longer only providing protection from the elements, it now needs to be part of the experience”